Customer Reviews

Avalanche: The 9 Principles for Uncovering True Wealth (Modern Parable)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"Avalanche" topped the Wall Street Journal list of business books several weeks ago and caught my attention. After reading the reviews here, which at the time all happened to give the book five stars, I bought and read it, and now feel obliged to add a more critical perspective for those considering this book.

The ideas that money doesn't make you happy, that you should cherish your relationships, have a good purpose in life, stay healthy, help others, use your money wisely, etc are all wonderful but far from new, let alone eye-opening. If you are someone who understands this, understands that monetary wealth is far from equal to true wealth, you won't get much from this book. If you don't, and if you keep an open mind, chances are it will give you something to contemplate about and has the potential of changing the way you look at things. My feeling, however, is that if you are already aware of these ideas and appreciate them, this book will be essentially worthless to you, whereas if you are not (like Andrew, the main character before his revelation), chances are you won't pick up this text.

The book is very poorly written. It's incredibly predictable, with convenient plot turns, and describes in very tedious detail every conversation, at times reminding of a soap opera. Andrew, the main character, tells his life story and the recent changes he underwent to everyone he meets, and the authors feel obliged to retell it to the reader every time as well. The dialogs are boring and 'overly sweet': Andrew's wife calls him 'honey' on every page; whenever Andrew meets a 'good' person, they exclaim that they are 'so glad', 'so happy', or have been impatiently waiting to see or meet him. The sun shines or something sparkles whenever Andrew has a revelation. Ugh.

On a positive note, it's a quick read, and has a website accompanying the book. I think this book may be useful to wealth advisors to remind them that each client is unique and has a different purpose for investing. The book will also make a good (although unflattering) gift to someone wealth-centered like Andrew. Other than that - I wouldn't recommend the book.

Finally, I found it ironic that after talking for the tedious 160 pages about 'uncovering true wealth', the first thing that the authors mention about themselves in the 'About the Authors' section is that they've helped build multi-million dollar businesses or manage over a billion dollars in assets. So much for practicing the 9 principles.

I'm always looking for a good metaphysical story or stories based on truth principles. The truth for me about this one is, I felt like the story was rushed. So much happened in such few pages. I found it unbelievable and was disappointed that I bought it based on some 5 star review. I felt the messages they were getting across important enough to make it into a longer story. On one page he is dreaming about climbing a mountain, the next page, 6 months later he is saying good bye to his family, to run off and climb the mountain. A quick read that falls flat!

I think we all feel a little lost at times, and many of us have chased the almighty dollar only to find, that there's got to be more to life that capturing buckets of those dollars.

The protagonist is this book faced the same dilemma, and his journey to a healthier happier life was blessed by the support of friends and loved ones. And yes, he lived happily ever after, AFTER surviving a challenging, enriching life event.

This book is structured like a simple parable, and yet it's meaning is profound. There's more out there to see and be than the obvious, and more substance to you if you will just open yourself to discover it, as did Andrew.

Great book and easy read. Start it early otherwise you'll be up late.

I have a book shelf in my office that holds the books that have had the biggest impact on my life. This is where Avalanche is kept. I read this book on an airplane between Toronto and Los Angeles and I was so happy that it was a long flight as it allowed me to read the entire book in one sitting. I was enroute to Hawaii at the time.

Avalanche is one of those books that has the impact to completely change your life. The book is written in an entertaining parable-style. It has a story that leads you to the most important life-lessons you may learn.

I've bought copies for friends and it is with complete integrity that I recommend this book. You may want to consider buying it as a gift for someone.

One little suggestion -- when you do sit down to read Avalanche, please make sure your afternoon (or evening) is open because you won't want to put it down.

New York Times Best Selling Author of Your Destiny Switch, Peggy McColl

I did not relate to the person in this book, so therefore, I couldn't get interested or engaged. I thought it was ridiculous, and I cannot believe it has received legitimate 5 star reviews from anyone other than these two authors' parents and friends. I also can't believe it went on the NY Times bestseller list -- that is a farse. I won't trust that list again.

The idea that wealth can be measured in something other than money is a good one that should be more actively explored. This book does a decent job of doing this in the form of a parable that has the makings of an interesting story, but lacks the depth of character development necessary to deliver a powerful book. The protagonist experiences a Jerry Maguire type of epiphany on a pretty flimsy basis, and then embarks on a hero's journey that is replete with warmed over elements that we've seen before. I've heard the Zen story about the master filling the students teacup to overflowing to emphasize the need for Beginner's Mind about a million times. It's a good story, but really shouldn't be used in this context any more.
Having aired my gripes, I would say, however, that the principles the authors are exploring are definitely worthwhile and laid out in an easy to recognize form. It is easy to get caught up in a lifestyle based on consumption and acquisition. It requires self-examination and motivation to change. This book provides a good blueprint, so to speak, and also backs it up with a website that is dedicated to exploring these issues further. It's an easy and quick book to read.

I am a journalist, a single mom, and always on the go. This book made me take a step back and look at my life. It was an easy--thought provoking read. I found myself on the pages of this book. It is a must read for anyone looking to fine tune their life!
Mary from Omaha

I would have enjoyed the story a bit more had it not been so interlaced with obvious references to the author's coaching business. After reading the book and then the information on the authors at the end I found myself wondering if it was not just a very long advertisement - which of course seems to run quite contrary to the message of the book. As a story it keeps you reasonably interested, mostly because it is so short, but there is really no meat here.

What an incredible concept and a terrific story! I welled up numerous times as I read the book. There are so many parallels between my own life and that of Andrew Craver's that I felt (at times) as though I was reading my own biography. Great lesson on what's important in life! A must read for loved ones, clients, staff members and anybody else that's looking to add life to their years! Highly recommended!

This is truly a modern parable.

There are many reasons why this is a fantastic book:
1. It is a quick read. Great for on a plane or business trip.
2. It makes you reflect on yourself and your life's direction.
3. It gives perspective on what is really important.
4. It changes the way you think about what wealth really is.

Brief synopsis of the book:
The main character Andrew goes through an existential crisis at his place of business and it leaves him loosing his identity. He comes across some pivotal and influential people that help him change his overall perspective. Andrew's wife, his doctor, his physical trainer and his financial advisor all play key roles in changing Andrews's life.

There is something in this book for everyone. Give your life a new direction and perspective. Read this book!